Intermediate coronary artery stenosis: evidence-based decisions in interventions to avoid the oculostenotic reflex

The prevalence of intermediate coronary artery stenosis (defined as a diameter stenosis of 40% to 70%) is quite large in patients undergoing PTCA. The coronary angiogram is considered the 'gold standard' for the definition of coronary anatomy, in spite of various limitations associated with its use. In recent years, sensor tipped guidewire based methods of physiologic assessment of stenosis severity, like myocardial fractional flow reserve, and poststenotic coronary flow reserve had established their role in the decision making in catheterization laboratory. The decision making should combine morphologic and physiologic assessment as better evidence based approach in guiding therapy to avoid the 'oculostenotic reflex'.